I have a few half written novels in folders on my computer,
but this is my first time to bring a novel to a satisfactory conclusion and
publish it.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I had a family picture taken on The Great Wall of China when my youngest son was only eight days old.

I love the picture of that. How do you keep your
sanity in our run, run, run world?

I take time each day to pray, read scripture, and journal. I
walk my dog. I read and laugh and cuddle with my family. I make thankful lists.

What is the
accomplishment that you are most proud of, besides family?

I spent several weeks in China in between my junior and
senior year of college. It was a big step of faith at the time and because of
that initial trip, I ended up spending six years there after graduation.

If you were an
animal, which one would you be, and why?

A dolphin. They travel in groups and get to live at the
beach.

What is your favorite
food?

Dark Chocolate.

You’d be surprised
how many authors say their favorite food is chocolate. I’m with you. I take
mine dark. Is it hard to break into the YA market?

It seems that way, but I’m still at the very beginning of
the process.

What advice would you
give to an author wanting to do that?

Write the best book you can write and spend a lot of time
editing. Get to know young adults, care about them and learn from them. Read a
lot—not only will it make you a better writer, it will remind you why you
decided to write in the first place.

What would you like
to tell us about the featured book?

It is the story of adoption through tragedy and the joys and
struggles of becoming a blended family. I hope it will touch you deeply, make
you laugh, and encourage you to celebrate and appreciate your own family.

Please share the
first page with us.

The News

For
twelve years I dreamed about what it would be like to grow up in a large
family. I would have been happy to have had even one brother or sister. I asked
for one several Christmases in a row, and it was my standby wish every time I
blew out my birthday candles, but I didn’t really expect it to happen, and
certainly not in the way it did. It was a Sunday the day before school started
for second semester, and Mom and I were pulling ornaments off the tree and
putting them in boxes when Dad got the call. I could tell it was a serious
conversation by the noises Dad was making, the way he drew in his breath, the
way he whispered, “No.” Mom turned down the music, but he stepped outside
anyway. I watched him on the front porch in his hoodie and jeans, his breath
like smoke in the cold air.

“Melissa,
could you step outside a minute?” he said, sticking his head in the door.

I
watched them talk, knowing they would have to tell me whatever it was and
wishing they would hurry. Mom nodded as she listened and pulled Dad into an
embrace. I could see his shoulders tremble and her knuckles turning white as
her arms tightened around him.

“Dad’s
going to drive out to Gram’s house. He might bring her back for the night,” she
said. “Let’s sit down. I guess you need to know what this is all about.”

And you have me
hooked wanting to know what this is all about. I know my readers are, too. How
can readers find you on the Internet?

Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)

Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Goodreads, Google+, Feedblitz, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment if you want to be included in the drawing. Here’s a link:Http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com

My family is in the middle of an adoption right now and I think I can relate to both the "tragedies" and "joys" of it. It's so hard knowing I've got a new baby sister and hardly ever being able to see her throughout her entire first year of life! This book sounds great and I'd love to win a copy. J.C. -Indiana-